Syrian forces win battle with rebels in Hama

September 12, 2014 1:39 PM

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BEIRUT (Reuters) - The Syrian army said on Friday it had taken control of a town northwest of Hama where the Nusra Front had been massing forces, dealing a blow to the al Qaeda-linked group that has been trying to open new fronts after losing ground to Islamic State.

The army also said it had secured nearby areas close to Hama military airport, driving back an offensive by insurgents whose advance had threatened several government loyalist towns populated mostly by minority Christians and Alawites.